What is a Necklace? - from EarringFish.com Vintage Costume Jewelry
A necklace is an article of clothing or jewelry; which is worn around the neck. Necklaces are frequently formed from a metal chain; often
attached to a locket or pendant. Necklaces can also be manufactured with cloth, and they sometimes contain rocks (particularly gems), wood,
and/or shells. When worn high on the neck it is referred to as a choker. Different lengths of necklaces have different names. In general:
Necklace Lengths for Traditional and Vintage Necklaces
12-13" necklaces are meant to be tied to your neck and is referred to as a COLLAR. They are worn snug to the neck.
14-16" necklaces are usually called a CHOKER. They are made to rest above the collarbone, close to the base of the neck.
17-19" necklaces are usually called PRINCESS LENGTH. It usually hangs just below the collarbone.
20-24" necklaces are referred to as MATINÉE LENGTH necklaces.
28-34" necklaces are called OPERA length. Worn as a single strand, can be doubled up for choker looks.
35-44" necklaces are referred to as ROPE length necklaces.
45-70" necklaces are referred to as FLAPPER LENGTH necklaces. Worn knotted, loose, or many layered strands.
LARIATS are very long necklaces, unattached at one end (no clasp) in order to be tied or knotted in various styles.
Vintage Necklace Extenders
Some vintage jewelry necklaces have extra links or beads on one end. These are called "extenders" and are used to shorten or lengthen the necklace. Great
for adjusting the length of a necklace to suit a particular fashion statement or ensemble. (and makes lending necklaces easier too)Beaded Necklace Shortener
Vintage necklace shorteners, sometimes called twister converters, or pearl shorteners are fashion accessories used on necklaces both vintage costume jewelry and modern jewelry necklaces. They look like a
ring with a hinge on one side, and a clasp on the other. They can be used in various ways to combine necklaces, shorten
necklaces, twist necklaces. Most often used to double up a long necklace (32" or longer). Normally these are used for "endless" necklaces
(those without clasps) but can be used for others too. Can also be used to loop more than one necklace together to form a longer, single
necklace.